March 14, 2009, 3:00PM

I come to you today with an apology for not posting for so long. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a promise to try to do better. In fact, Valley Victuals is going on hiatus. I have started taking a graduate class and it is taking up a lot of my time and something had to give. I hope to be... Full story »

March 02, 2009, 8:18PM

February 25, 2009, 9:17PM

Back in October, my post about El Guanaco in South Hadley generated quite a few comments, mostly quite positive. But then - something changed. The management and/or ownership at El Guanaco changed hands. Some people - they are not pleased. There has been much hand wringing and rending of garments as the old El Guanaco has been mourned. Where, o... Full story »

February 22, 2009, 7:37PM

After a long and fairly crappy week, I was in the mood for some comfort food. A friend of mine had been telling me about some gluten free products she had been trying, including some made with tapioca. So, when I wandered into Ocean State Job Lot on Friday and saw that all of the Bob's Red Mill products were... Full story »

February 15, 2009, 8:44PM

It all started with the pretty Christmas cookies with the holly painted on the icing. Then they morphed into Valentine cookies, with pretty jam cut-outs, personalized birthday cookies and anniversary cookies. One Valentine's Day, I made them into conversation hearts. This Valentine's Day, it was a little different. Full story »

February 08, 2009, 8:56PM

Don't panic - I'm not talking about that scary stuff that might be made with, I don't know - graham crackers, cinnamon and brown sugar maybe? - but doesn't have any actual apples in it. But I did make apple bread from a mix, not from scratch. Mon dieu! Full story »

January 22, 2009, 8:55PM

January 19, 2009, 8:57PM

- Happy 5th Anniversary to the Amateur Gourmet! Adam has long been one of my favorite bloggers - food or otherwise. I took his bread challenge and his cookie challenge, made his brussels sprouts even though I hate brussels sprouts, gave out my own cookbook awards and made Mario Batali's braised ribs at his urging. Thanks for all the inspiration,... Full story »

January 13, 2009, 7:40PM

Okay, yesterday I walked the dog for half an hour and took a 45 minute step class. Today, I walked the dog, took a half hour of Pilates and a spin and weights class. Does that sound like enough? I don't know. Maybe not. Especially if I make a root beer float tonight. I made super premium vanilla ice cream... Full story »

December 29, 2008, 9:00PM

December 21, 2008, 9:16PM

It's been a crazy busy week here between traveling, weather, Christmas shopping, wrapping, Nutcracker viewing and party-going. This weekend I managed to also get in some cooking and baking, and if you are looking for a last minute recipe for a cookie or snack to bring to a party, you've come to the right place. Full story »